Raising a duckling alone

[hurley_o]

Hi, I have two Pekin ducks and I lost my little Mallard a couple of months ago. I am interested in getting another duck, but I only want to add one more. I was wondering if I could raise her alone until she’s old enough to join my other two ducks, or if I absolutely need to get another duckling.

 

[KathiQuacks]

You could, but it will be a lot more work. She’ll need much more love and attention from you. I’d recommend giving her a mirror and stuffed animal for the time you can’t be with her. Start giving her supervised visits to your Pekins as early as possible so she understands that she’s a duck.

 

[FrostRanger]

Most places won't sell you just one duckling, I'd get at least 2, preferably 3

 

[cheezenkwackers]

Are your Pekins male or female. If they are both female, this is possible (with the extra work KathiQuacks mentioned). But, if you have a pair, it is unlikely to work. They will see the new duck as an intruder to be driven off.

I had a single drake duckling 2 summers ago (only one hatched). I did as mentioned and raised him with mirrors, stuffed animals, brought him to work with me, and we visited my “big ducks” frequently. He then slowly joined them when he was 3-4 months old. He is head drake (he has a son now) of my current flock of 8. He is also very sweet to the girls as they taught him when he was young how to act. So, yes, it is possible but it isn’t easy.